Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

Which one to buy and why?

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

If you are talking trailer based, I asked the same questions 2 months ago to Don Higgins. If you are using Crewchief Pro software, they have to do something different to the Computech or it does not send updated weather info. I replaced my Altronics Performaire Pc with the Performaire Pro. Based on Don’s recommendation.

Sean

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

How about some more comments or recommendations for handheld units from Racers, the people that have them and use them. Thanks.

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

I like my Kestral 5100...graphs, takes readings as often as you program it ..wind meter so you can measure wind at track level...very nice unit....if you get link option it will transmit to phone within bluetooth range...

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

I have had a perform air for many years ,I dont drag it around leave it the shade ,has been very good . their service is quite good also.

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

i have the Altronics PC system. If you already have a lap top computer the price is real reasonable. If I had to do it over again I would have gotten the paging option. its cheaper when you get it with the system when you first purchase it. Customer service is good and they respond on the weekends if you are at the track and have issues. I use their Raceworks software and it is pretty user friendly. Crew Cheif pro is also available

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

This is me, I had the trailer based Altronics PC program for years. I upgraded to the new hardware and a pager. I also use the Crew Chief Pro. Still learning the software.

Previously I was just looking to document the conditions. Now I can spend 45 minutes in the lanes waiting to run. Have seen some big changes while waiting.

Fred and Don at both companies have been great at answering my stupid questions.

Robin

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

If anyone wants to learn the science and intricacies behind ET correction and prediction based on weather, you need to get Patrick Hale's book titled: "Motorsports Standard Atmosphere and Weather Correction Methods".

https://dragracingpro.com/books

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

I highly recommend the Kestrel 5100 weather station. It is highly accurate, portable, and has a link option. My employer supplies Kestrel equipment to various branches of the military and is used by snipers in the field for correcting their scopes based on temperature and wind.

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

Great luck with my Computech Race Air Pro. It gets updated every few years also.

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

Thanks for the great comments!


Regardless of which system you choose I suggest you get a system the was made for racing. Products that are made for aviation, hiking, shooting, etc.. use a "standard" Density Altitude Formula.

For Racing, although our cars do push through the air, they also consume it to make power. You can't look at the density as a whole. The amount of oxygen and water that make up the air's density, mixes with fuel to produce a varied amount power and therefore effects performance.
In drag racing, this is what we want to measure and the "DA" we calculate is adjusted for these factors!

Although this derivation from "text book" DA calculation may not seem apparent to you on any given day when conditions are stable, over time (Spring, Summer, Fall) when temperatures and humidity levels change significantly you will see the effect when trying to predict your car.

Altronics patented this calculation specifically for internal combustion engines and measuring performance in our PerformAIRE weather stations.

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

I was thinking that I was OK with my own DA calculations to precisely predict a “time run” but, after reading the Patrick Hale book on MSA and Weather Correction Methods, I quickly realised than I didn’t know anything about it.
Get a hand on that book and you will learn a lot of more information/formulas to be more on your target and if you are familiar with EXCEL you can develop you own prediction tool including: HP correction factor, the frontal area CD correction factor by body style, head wind and angle wind correction factor, track temperature correction methods and so on…
It will always be up to you.
Keep on,

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

Just to clarify, the Kestrel line of products are not performance calculators.
They are weather stations with logging capability.

Re: Computech or altronicrs perform air?
 

I’m still using my old Kestrel 4250 Racing Weather Tracker and I like his mobility and precision.
I like collecting data and depending on your racing track, some are level lower or higher than their paddock and some create a stadium form (tower and side stands). Those conditions will produce a data difference. Also take the time to check conditions after those stands. Sometime you will be surprised.